President Basescu still looking for early polls (Sep 19, 2005)

Initially published in www.romania-report.ro (Sep 19, 2005)


Romanian President has announced he will initiate procedures for a referendum on the issue of the one-Chamber Parliament.

To date, the country’s Constitution stipulates a two-Chamber Parliament (i.e. the Senate and the Lower Chamber). President Basescu has asked the parliamentary parties for talks in order to assess preliminary steps towards such a major constitutional change.

Except for PD (the Democratic Party), the others agreed to talks but asked for more sensitive issues to be discussed. PRM ("Greater Romania" Party) was the only party to announce it will not attend.

Basescu earlier said: "I'll try to call for referendum in agreement with the parties. If we fail, we'll do it anyway." Basescu insinuated he would make use of all legal means to promote his view as president. Therefore we can expect Basescu's dream – i.e. polls – to come true, at least regarding the issue of the one-Chamber Parliament. He will ask Romanians (fed-up with the two Chambers' inefficiency) to express wish for reform in referendum. He stands real chances o succeed and to cause early elections, daily ‘Ziua’ reads.

Analysts say that Basescu’s ‘one-Chamber’ move could be only a hoax, while his true target is a constitutional reform to lead to more functional ‘presidential republic’.

Romania Report